Everyone knows business and golf have become inextricably
linked. But some entrepreneurs out there shanking, slicing and
signing up clients could use a few lessons to bring their business
games up to par. We know of one entrepreneur, for instance, who
signed up for a golf tournament on the condition that she be paired
with a certain potential client. One small handicap: She'd
never swung a golf club in her life. She did land the client (even
though she lost the tournament), but we wouldn't call this the
best course of action. In light of this, we've put together a
guide to doing business on the links:

Golf Lesson No. 1: Turf Advantage

When it comes to cutting business deals, not all golf courses
are created equal. Experts say some greens have a reputation for
being very green indeed--they're the hot spots that industry
moguls and high-level executives choose for closing important
business deals. William Hallberg, a Golf Digest course evaluator
and author of The Rub of the Green (Ballantine Books), suggests you
consider the plentiful business opportunities at the nation's
five most high-powered courses:

Congressional Country Club, Bethesda, Maryland. This is the
course of choice for politicians and deal makers from the
nation's capitol.

Olympic Club, San Francisco. Local business executives enjoy
its beautiful views and excellent club house and restaurant.

New Orleans Country Club, New Orleans. This is a favorite among
this region's oldest families and wealthiest residents.

Bethpage State Park Golf Course (Black), Bethpage, New York.
High-rollers from the city flock to the area's most magnificent
golf course.

Bel Air Country Club, Los Angeles. This is the place to be seen
for movie industry execs and business heavyweights.

Golf Lesson No. 2: Pairing Up

Once you've settled on the best place to tee off, it's
time to learn the art of pairing, says Gretchen Kihm of golf course
management company American Golf Corp. in Santa Monica, California.
One strategy: Partner your potential client with whomever is
closing the deal. Bring along your longtime customer Joe and new
client John to complete the foursome; they can be called on to
offer unique perspectives when needed.

Golf Lesson No. 3: Soft Sell

Whether you're trying to drive in business with loyal
customers or prospective clients, the best advice is to use a
delicate touch. Even if your objective is to close the deal today,
don't begin talking business after the first practice swing.
Professionals always play a few holes first, Kihm says. When you
put your sales hat on, strive for a casual tone. Keep business talk
to a minimum; experts advise talking shop no more than 20 percent
of the time.

Golf Lesson No. 4: Good Connections

For M. Ann Padilla, president and CEO of Sunny Side Inc./Temp
Side, a Denver staffing resource company, golf isn't about
making deals. It's about making contacts. "The idea is to
get to know someone you can do [future] business with," says
Padilla. For instance, Padilla claims talking on the golf course
with one client about potential ways they could improve their
relationship eventually increased her sales from this client by 70
percent.

Golf Lesson No. 5: Let The Games Begin

It's time to play a few rounds. When you're on the
course, observe carefully, then cater your sales pitch accordingly.
Someone's golf game can reveal his or her decision-making
skills, motivations and more. And if your opponent's throwing
his or her club in frustration, don't bring up important
business matters.

Finally, while golf courses furnish fertile grounds for
deal-making, remember that golf is just a game. Enjoy it. In the
end, only you can decide the best way to bring in business on the
greens.